|
(c) TRADEMARK The trademark law of Zimbabwe is modeled very closely on that of tile United Kingdom and employs the international classifications of 34 classes of goods and 8 classes of services. Each trademark application may include goods or services belonging to one class only Provision is made not only for ordinary trademarks and services marks, but also for certification marks, defensive marks and series registration. Protection may also be obtained, subject to proof of distinctiveness, for a 'distinguishing guise' which is tile shape or configuration of a container of goods. Duration A trademark registration is effective initially for a period of 10 years and is renewable for an unlimited number of additional 10-year periods. Filing Applications Applications must be filed at tile Trademarks Office in Harare using tile statutory form Consequences of Registration Registration
of a trademark grants tile owner of the trademark the exclusive
right to use the trademark in connection with the specified goods
or services and the right to sue for infringement. Although registration
is not a precondition for use of a mark, the registration process
ensures that prior registrations of trademarks or companies are
not overlooked and gives significant protection for trademarks.
|
